Milwaukee 4 Volt Lithium-Ion Charger

Charging tools are an essential part of any toolkit, especially for those of us who rely heavily on battery-powered gadgets. Recently, I had the chance to test out the Milwaukee 4 Volt Lithium-Ion Charger, model number 48-59-0490, and I have some insights to share about its performance, design, and overall utility.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Milwaukee charger is sleek and compact, designed to save space on your workbench. It boasts a slim profile, which is a thoughtful touch, especially if you're working in a confined workspace. The charger is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport, but this also raises some concerns about its durability. The plastic used in its construction feels somewhat flimsy, and I worry about its longevity, particularly in harsher work environments.

Performance and Charging Speed

One of the standout features of this charger is its ability to charge a 4V lithium-ion battery in under 30 minutes. In my experience, this claim holds true. The charger quickly brought my battery to a full charge, which is a significant advantage if you're in the middle of a project and can't afford much downtime. The fast charging time is undoubtedly one of the product's strongest points.

However, while the charger excels in speed, its performance as a power source is less impressive. I attempted to use it to charge smaller devices, such as my smartphone and a portable speaker. Unfortunately, the charger fell short in this regard. It provided only a partial charge before the battery itself needed recharging. This makes it less reliable as a portable power source for smaller electronics, which is disappointing given the versatility promised by the USB output feature.

Usability and Features

The Milwaukee charger is easy to use, with a straightforward battery loading design. The optional post-mount attachment points on the bottom of the charger are a nice touch, allowing you to securely mount it in a fixed location if needed. The inclusion of a USB port is a good idea in theory, providing a dual-use solution that could be handy in various situations. However, as mentioned earlier, its execution leaves much to be desired.

One aspect that caught my attention is the absence of a charging cord in the package. Given the price point, this omission is somewhat perplexing. It would have been more convenient if Milwaukee had included a charging cord, especially since compatibility with other cords isn't always guaranteed.

Versatility and Compatibility

The charger is compatible with Milwaukee's RedLithium USB batteries, which are commonly used in their headlamps, flashlights, and heated gear. This makes it a versatile addition to your Milwaukee tool collection if you already own other tools that use the same battery platform. I found that it worked well in keeping my headlamp batteries charged and ready to go, which is crucial for extended night work sessions.

However, the charger’s versatility is somewhat hindered by its outdated micro-USB port. In a world rapidly moving towards USB-C, this feels like a step backward. Updating to a more modern charging standard would significantly enhance the product’s utility and future-proof it.

Customer Support and Warranty

Milwaukee offers a 5-year limited warranty on this charger, which speaks to their confidence in the product's longevity. While my experience with the charger has been mostly positive, the warranty provides some peace of mind in case of any issues down the line.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 4 Volt Lithium-Ion Charger has its strengths and weaknesses. Its compact design, fast charging speed, and ease of use are significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for quick battery top-ups. However, its performance as a portable power source and the build quality leave room for improvement.

Would I recommend this charger? If you’re already invested in the Milwaukee ecosystem and need a reliable, fast charger for your RedLithium USB batteries, then yes, it’s a worthwhile addition to your toolkit. However, if you’re looking for a versatile power source for charging a range of devices, you might want to explore other options. The outdated micro-USB port and the lack of a charging cord are notable drawbacks that could affect your overall satisfaction with the product.

Ultimately, the Milwaukee 4 Volt Lithium-Ion Charger does what it promises: it charges batteries quickly and efficiently. Just be aware of its limitations before making your purchase.